Optoelectronic devices utilizing materials having enhanced electronic transitions

ABSTRACT

An optoelectronic device that includes a material having enhanced electronic transitions. The electronic transitions are enhanced by mixing electronic states at an interface. The interface may be formed by a nano-well, a nano-dot, or a nano-wire.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/712,128, filed Feb. 27, 2007, which in turn claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/777,131 filed Feb. 27, 2006.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL RIGHTS

This invention was made with government support under Contract No.DE-AC51-06NA25396, awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Thegovernment has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The invention relates to optical materials and devices. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to optical materials and devices inwhich interfacial mixing of electronic states occurs. Even moreparticularly, the invention relates to nano-wires comprising suchoptical materials.

Optoelectronic devices such as solar cells, radiation detectors, andlight emitting diodes, generally depend upon bulk effects ofsemiconducting materials. Under such conditions, a single band-gap isaccessible, and the overall efficiency of such devices is therebylimited to an upper value. In other applications, such as radiationdetectors or light emitting diodes, the band-gap determines the energyof either emission or detection. Solar cells having a single band-gap,for example, are limited to an efficiency of less than about 41 percent.

The concept of increasing efficiency using intermediate band-gapmaterials has been proposed. Approaches to obtaining such materialsinclude providing an intermediate band by incorporating quantum dotsinside a host material.

Intermediate band-gaps are inaccessible in the bulk state. Attempts tofabricate devices utilizing intermediate band-gap materials requirecomplex material assembly techniques and have to date been generallyunsuccessful. Therefore, what is needed is an optoelectronic devicecomprising an intermediate band-gap material.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention meets these and other needs by providing anoptoelectronic device in which electronic transitions that areconsidered to be weak in bulk materials are intentionally enhanced.These electronic states are accessed by mixing electronic states at aninterface that may be formed in a nano-well, a nano-dot, or a nano-wire.In one embodiment, the optoelectronic device comprises an. intermediateband-gap material.

Accordingly, one aspect of the invention is to provide an optoelectronicdevice. The device comprises: a transparent conductor; a solidconductor; and a material disposed between the transparent conductor andthe solid conductor such that at least a portion of the material is inelectrical contact with the transparent conductor and the solidconductor. The material comprises a material having a Fermi energylevel. The material has mixed electronic states at an interface and aplurality of carrier pockets comprising an initial state that is belowor within kT of the Fermi energy level and a second state that isgreater than or within kT of the Fermi energy level, where k is theBoltzmann constant and T is temperature in degrees Kelvin. The materialhas a predetermined disruption of symmetry at the interface.

A second aspect of the invention is to provide a material havingenhanced electronic transitions. The material has a Fermi energy level.The intermediate band-gap material has mixed electronic states at aninterface and a plurality of carrier pockets comprising an initial statethat is below or within kT of the Fermi energy level and a second statethat is greater than or within kT of the Fermi energy level, where k isthe Boltzmann constant and T is temperature in degrees Kelvin. Theintermediate band-gap material has a predetermined disruption ofsymmetry at the interface.

A third aspect of the invention is to provide an optoelectronic device.The optoelectronic device comprises: a transparent conductor; a solidconductor; and a plurality of nano-wires disposed between thetransparent conductor and the solid conductor such that at least aportion of the plurality of nano-wires is in electrical contact with thetransparent conductor and the solid conductor. The plurality ofnano-wires comprises a material having enhanced electronic transitions.The material has a Fermi energy level, mixed electronic states at aninterface, and a plurality of carrier pockets comprising an initialstate that is below or within kT of the Fermi energy level and a secondstate that is greater than or within kT of the Fermi energy level,wherein k is the Boltzmann constant and T is temperature in degreesKelvin. The material has a predetermined disruption of symmetry at theinterface, and each of the plurality of nano-wires has a direction in apredetermined crystallographic orientation.

These and other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following detailed description,the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of: a) nano-well; b) nano-dot; andc) nano-wire structures, showing the direction of the electric fieldthat will induce mixing of states due to surface effects;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of: a) T valence band, Γ band, and<012> orientation in bismuth; and b) the electronic band structure ofbismuth; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the electronic band structure ofzinc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, like reference characters designate likeor corresponding parts throughout the several views shown in thefigures. It is also understood that terms such as “top,” “bottom,”“outward,” “inward,” and the like are words of convenience and are notto be construed as limiting terms. In addition, whenever a group isdescribed as either comprising or consisting of at least one of a groupof elements and combinations thereof, it is understood that the groupmay comprise or consist of any number of those elements recited, eitherindividually or in combination with each other.

Referring to the drawings in general, it will be understood that theillustrations are for the purpose of describing particular embodimentsand features of the invention and are not intended to limit theinvention thereto.

In an intermediate band-gap photovoltaic device or an intermediateband-gap material, an intermediate band may serve to capturesub-band-gap radiation, thereby increasing the range of energies ofphotons that produce a photocurrent. If free carriers live long enoughin the intermediate level, a second photon can then excite the electronfrom the intermediate level to the band edge, thus increasing currentwith little or no loss to the open current voltage. Based oncalculations proposed by A. Luque et al. (“Increasing the Efficiency ofIdeal Solar Cells by Photon Induced Transitions at Intermediate levels”,Phys. Rev. Lett. 78(26) (1997) pp. 5014-5017) and incorporated byreference herein, a maximum efficiency of about 63% may be obtained byusing the intermediate band. A band-gap of 1.95 eV and a defect level ateither 0.71 eV or 1.24 eV is needed to achieve such efficiency.Efficiencies of greater than about 60% can be achieved, however, for awide range of band-gaps.

Nano-structured materials offer the opportunity of enhancing otherwiseweak electronic transitions, thus allowing for more freedom in thedesign of detectors, emitters, and solar cells. For other types ofoptoelelectronic devices such as emitters and detectors, new emission ordetection energies are made accessible by mixing electronic states. Byenhancing selected electronic transitions, the present inventionprovides emitters and detectors for wavelengths in the mid- andfar-infrared (about 10 μm); blue and near UV (about 310-420 nm); and red(about 550-700 nm).

The new approach to intermediate band gap solar cells, as describedherein, utilizes mixing of electronic states at an interface. A modelfor the mixing of states is first proposed. Conclusions drawn from themodel are then applied to the design of an intermediate band solar cell.Although the following model is helpful in explaining or describing theinvention, the inventors do not wish to be bound to one suchexplanation. Accordingly, it is understood that other models or theoriesmay be equally applicable.

As used herein, the term “interface” refers to any interruption incrystalline order. Examples of such interfaces include, but are notlimited to, interfaces between crystalline planes, grain boundaries,phase boundaries, including interfaces between different crystallinephases, crystalline and amorphous materials, solid and gaseous phases,solid and liquid phases, and the like.

At a heterojunction, the periodic boundary conditions break down. Inbulk materials, electronic wave functions with different momentum valuesare orthogonal such that, in the simplistic one-dimensional (alsoreferred to herein as “1-D”) case,

∫_(−∞) ^(∞)Ψ₁(x)Ψ₂(x)dx=0.  (1)

Ψ₁(x) and Ψ₂(x) are the time independent electronic wave functions andare products of the Bloch (u_(nk)(x)) and envelope (e^(ik·x)) functions,so that

Ψ(x)=e ^(ik·x) u _(nK)(x).  (2)

However, when the lattice becomes finite, equation (1) is no longervalid, and different wave functions can no longer be assumed to beorthogonal. The spatial overlap (V) between the wave functions thenbecomes

$\begin{matrix}{{V = {\int_{0}^{Na}{^{\; k_{1}^{\prime}*x}\ {u_{{nK}_{1}}(x)}^{\; k_{2}^{\prime}*x}{u_{{nK}_{2}}(x)}{x}}}},} & (3)\end{matrix}$

where N is the number of atomic lattices in the structure, and a is thelattice constant in the direction of {circumflex over (x)}. In equation(3), k′=k+K for both states 1 and 2, where k is the crystal latticemomentum and K is the reciprocal lattice vector. For N<∞, the integralin equation (3) can be non-zero, reflecting the breakdown of theorthogonality of the wave functions with decreasing dimensions.

When calculating the overlap values of the 1-D finite lattice at thezone boundary and at the zone center, the eigenfunctions for theelectronic wave functions are cosines and sines. Calculating the overlapfunction of two states leads to three possible combinations of sines andcosines: both wave functions are cosines; both wave functions are sines;and one wave function is a sine and one wave function is a cosine. Thesethree combinations of wave functions lead to the overlap values of

$\begin{matrix}{V = {{\int_{0}^{Na}{\sqrt{\frac{2}{Na}}{\cos \left( {\left( {K_{1} + k_{1}} \right)x} \right)}\sqrt{\frac{2}{Na}}{\cos \left( {\left( {K_{2} + k_{2}} \right)x} \right)}\ {x}}} = {\frac{2}{Na}\left\lbrack {{{\begin{matrix}{Na} \\0\end{matrix}\frac{\sin \left( {\left( {K_{1} - K_{2} + k_{1} - k_{2}} \right)x} \right)}{2\left( {K_{1} - K_{2} + k_{1} - k_{2}} \right)}} + \frac{\sin \left( {\left( {K_{1} + K_{2} + k_{1} + k_{2}} \right)x} \right)}{2\left( {K_{1} + K_{2} + k_{1} + k_{2}} \right)}},} \right.}}} & (4) \\{V = {{\int_{0}^{Na}{\sqrt{\frac{2}{Na}}{\sin \left( {\left( {K_{1} + k_{1}} \right)x} \right)}\sqrt{\frac{2}{Na}}{\sin \left( {\left( {K_{2} + k_{2}} \right)x} \right)}\ {x}}} = {\frac{2}{Na}\left\lbrack {{{\begin{matrix}{Na} \\0\end{matrix}\frac{\sin \left( {\left( {K_{1} - K_{2} + k_{1} - k_{2}} \right)x} \right)}{2\left( {K_{1} - K_{2} + k_{1} - k_{2}} \right)}} - \frac{\sin \left( {\left( {K_{1} + K_{2} + k_{1} + k_{2}} \right)x} \right)}{2\left( {K_{1} + K_{2} + k_{1} + k_{2}} \right)}},{or}} \right.}}} & (5) \\{V = {{\int_{0}^{Na}{\sqrt{\frac{2}{Na}}{\sin \left( {\left( {K_{1} + k_{1}} \right)x} \right)}\sqrt{\frac{2}{Na}}{\cos \left( {\left( {K_{2} + k_{2}} \right)x} \right)}\ {x}}} = {\frac{2}{Na}\left\lbrack {\begin{matrix}{Na} \\0\end{matrix} - \frac{\cos \left( {\left( {K_{1} - K_{2} + k_{1} - k_{2}} \right)x} \right)}{2\left( {K_{1} - K_{2} + k_{1} - k_{2}} \right)} - {\frac{\cos \left( {\left( {K_{1} + K_{2} + k_{1} + k_{2}} \right)x} \right)}{2\left( {K_{1} + K_{2} + k_{1} + k_{2}} \right)}.}} \right.}}} & (6)\end{matrix}$

$\sqrt{\frac{2}{Na}}$

is the normalization factor of the wave functions for K+k=k′≠0.

At the Brillouin zone center (k=0) and at the Brillouin zone edges

$\left( {k = {\pm \frac{\pi}{a}}} \right)$

the sine terms in equations (4) and (5) are all 0, and the overlap is 0.Hence, when the initial and final states are both at the zone boundaryor the zone center and are both sines or both cosines, the orthogonalityassumption remains valid, and no additional coupling is introduced atthe interface. However, when one wave function is a sine and the otheris a cosine, the overlap functions can be significant. In the dispersionrelation of a simple material, when two electronic bands cross at thezone edge or the zone center, the degeneracy is split and the larger ofthe two energy bands is a cosine, while the smaller energy band is asine. These pairs of bands can occur at the band edge or at the bandcenter. This generalization is an oversimplification, as in realmaterials the complex geometry mixes the two states. However, thecalculation indicates that if the initial state is the larger energy ofa band pair, then the states it will couple most strongly to (due tomixing of states at the surface) are states that have the smaller energyof a band pair.

Because K₁ and K₂ are both multiples of 2π/a, their value will notchange the value of the cosine terms in equation (6). Furthermore, whenthe structure has an even number of atoms, a is even, and the cosineterms will always be 1. Therefore, if the structure has an even numberof atoms, the value of the expression inside the brackets in equation(6) will be the same when x=0 and x=Na. Hence the overlap will be 0 whenthe structure has an even number of atoms.

When the structure has an odd number of atoms (a is odd) and both thewave functions are either at the zone boundary or at the zone center,k′₁−k′₂ is a multiple of

$\frac{2\pi}{a}.$

Hence, the cosine terms in equation (6) are both 1, and the integral inequation (6) will be 0, which means that the states will not haveenhanced coupling. However, when the structure has an odd number ofatoms and either the initial or finial state is at the zone center andthe other state is at the zone boundary, the cosine terms in equationwill be −1 for x=Na, and 1 for x=0. Hence, if a is odd and one wavefunction is at the zone center and one is at the zone boundary, thespatial overlap between the electronic state calculated by equation (6)is non-zero. In summary of this model, additional coupling exists forinitial and final states at the zone boundaries or the zone edge only inthe case in which 1) either the initial or final state is a sine and theother state is a cosine, 2) the number of atoms in the structure is odd,and 3) one wave function is at the zone boundary and one is at the zonecenter. These conclusions are only for high symmetry points—i.e., statesat the zone center or the zone boundary.

In three dimensions, the situation is similar, but more complicated. Forexample, surface reconstruction needs to be considered. In addition,this simple calculation uses the infinite boundary assumption, whichleads to no wave function probability outside the crystal lattice and nocoupling to the material on the other side of the interface. Both the1-D and infinite boundary assumptions are not representative of a truecrystal, but much intuition can be gained by looking at this simplifiedmodel.

For an odd number of atoms, and with one wave function at the zonecenter and one at the zone boundary, equation (6) can be simplified to

$\begin{matrix}{V = {\frac{2}{Na}{\left( {{- \frac{1}{K_{1} - K_{2} + k_{1} - k_{2}}} - \frac{1}{K_{1} + K_{2} + k_{1} + k_{2}}} \right).}}} & (7)\end{matrix}$

Substituting

${m_{1} = {{k_{1}^{\prime}\frac{a}{\pi}\mspace{14mu} {and}\mspace{14mu} m_{2}} = {k_{2}^{\prime}\frac{a}{\pi}}}}\mspace{14mu}$

leads to

$\begin{matrix}{V = {\frac{2}{N\; \pi}{\left( {{- \frac{1}{m_{1} - m_{2}}} - \frac{1}{m_{1} + m_{2}}} \right).}}} & (8)\end{matrix}$

Spatial overlap values for initial states with momentum values of m₁=−1,0, 1, and 13 were calculated from equation (8). When m₁−m₂ is even, theoverlap is 0, indicating that if both states are at the zone center, orboth are at the zone edge, no additional coupling is induced because ofthe finite lattice. Furthermore, the states with the largest overlap,and hence the largest additional coupling due to surface effects, havemomentum values that differ by only π/a. The breakdown of theorthogonality assumption can be significant. In particular, as thedifference between m₁ and m₂ decreases to 1, the spatial overlap of thewave functions increases and becomes as large as 0.85/N. This can alsobe seen from the first term in equation (8), which is only dependent onm₁−m₂, and hence when m₁−m₂=1, this term is maximized. The case of m₁=m₂was not calculated, because it is the trivial case of the overlap of astate with itself.

These calculations also show that the overlap values for even m₁−m₂states are 0. Hence, as previously mentioned, states only couple if onestate is at the band center and the other state is at the band edge.Furthermore, with increasing values of m₁, the maximum value of theoverlap decreases. As the state number is increased, the overlap valuefor |m₁−m₂|=1 converges to a value of

$\frac{2}{\pi}{\frac{1}{N}.}$

In this limit, the first term in equation (7) dominates and the secondterm approaches 0. Depending on if the state with the larger k′ value isa sine or a cosine function, the second term in equation (7) either addsor subtracts to the value of the first term. High order bands,therefore, will have less difference between sine and cosine terms, butwill still have significant coupling between states with momentumdifferences of

$\frac{\pi}{a}.$

For nanostructures, the breakdown of orthogonality of the wave functionsbecomes significant. Silicon quantum dots, for example, have a diameteron the order of 5 nm. With a lattice constant of 5.43 A, thiscorresponds to approximately 7-9 atoms across, depending on thedirection. Using this as a basis in conjunction with the model describedherein, the overlap between electronic wave functions from the gamma (F)valence band (5^(th) band, m₁=10) to the Brillouin zone edge conductionband (6^(th) band, m₂=11) is calculated from equation (8) to be 7% for 9atoms and 9% for 7 atoms.

In order to see quantum confinement effects, a quantum dot, well, orwire must have dimensions less than or on the order of both the deBroglie wavelength and the mean free path of the free carriers (or insome cases excitons). However, in order to have significant mixing ofbands at an interface requires only a large surface area to volumeratio, and does not require quantum confinement effects. Therefore, theonly length scale requirement is the mean free path. Hence, thedimensions of the material can be larger than the de Broglie wavelength.The de Broglie wavelength is determined by the effective mass of thefree carriers, which is deduced from the E vs. k relationship of theelectronic energy bands. The mean free path depends on the material andthe band of interest, as well as the defects, dopants, and temperature.In many materials, the mean free path is on the order of microns, whilethe de Broglie length scale is usually in the tens of angstroms rangeand can be as high as around 500 A in materials with very smalleffective masses. Hence, utilizing this surface effect does notnecessarily require dimensions as small as those effects resulting fromquantum confinement. This point is critical for photovoltaicapplications, as the cost of the cell increases when the dimensions ofthe device decrease.

The mixing of states at a surface has many implications and thepotential to impact many different applications. Accordingly, theinvention provides a nano-wire solar cell that utilizes this effect toessentially create a double band gap material and thus increase thetheoretical maximum photovoltaic efficiency.

An intermediate band solar cell can be designed by utilizing the mixingof bulk states at an interface. In the design of an intermediate solarcell several aspects need to be considered.

First, in order to utilize the mixing of bulk band states at aninterface, the electric field of the incident light needs to beperpendicular to an interface. The mixing of electronic states at thesurface will only occur for those states with a momentum componentperpendicular to the surface. For electronic states parallel to thesurface, the infinite lattice approximation remains valid, and thereforethe states remain orthogonal, and the bulk states remain goodeigenvectors. For nano-wells 110 grown using traditional methods, thequantum direction is perpendicular to the sample plane. Light thereforeneeds to be incident from the side of nano-well 110, as shown in FIG. 1a. Thus, the nano-well 110 sample has both has a small cross sectionalarea for absorption and band mixing only for photons incident with theelectric field in one direction (FIG. 1 a). In nano-dots 120, shown inFIG. 1 b, the electric field will always be perpendicular to aninterface. Photovoltaic devices, however, require conduction between atop electrode and a bottom electrode. Nano-dots 120 have thedisadvantage that conduction takes place through tunneling or hopping.Hence, the free carrier mobility in nano-dots 120 is lower. Alignednano-wires (FIG. 1 c), on the other hand, satisfy both the requirementof a continuous conduction path and have all the incident photons withan electric field perpendicular to an interface.

An optoelectronic device 130, such as a solar cell, LED, or the like,comprising a plurality of nano-wires 134 is schematically shown in FIG.1 c. Aligned nano-wires 134 are disposed between a transparent conductor132 and a solid conductor 136. Transparent conductor 132 and solidconductor 136 are formed from materials that are known in the art. Aninsulating material 138 such as, for example, alumina, may be disposedbetween nano-wires 134.

In the case of nano-wires, even though, for normal incident light, theelectric field of the photons is always perpendicular to an interface,only very specific surface directions will enhance the desired mixing ofbands. Hence, the orientation of the wires needs to be optimized. Thisaspect is discussed below.

The material from which an intermediate band solar cell is formed alsoneeds to be considered. In addition to processing and cost issues, amaterial in which both the conduction and intermediate band edges haveacceptable energies should be chosen. That is, the energies of theintermediate band and the conduction band (relative to the valence band)have to be a combination in which high efficiencies can be obtained.Furthermore, a material in which the electronic energy bands of interesteither do not have non-radiative recombination routes, or at least onlyvery slow recombination routes, should be selected. For example, asaddle point in the E vs. k diagram could not be used as an intermediateband. Although this requirement immediately rules out some materials,only experimental evidence can conclusively prove the absence ofnon-radiative recombination routes.

One material in which the energy levels are close to ideal for anintermediate band solar cell is silicon. In addition, the energy bandsof interest in silicon do not have obvious non-radiative recombinationroutes between them. The gamma (Γ) to delta (Δ) indirect band-gap ofsilicon is 1.17 eV, whereas the r to L point transition is between about1.65 eV and about 2.29 eV.

In order to minimize the percentage of high-energy photons absorbed inthe lower energy band-gap, the wire diameter must be small enough sothat the absorption above the energy of the larger band-gap is dominatedby the higher energy band. This enhancement of the higher energy bandabsorption will ensure that photons having energies greater than thelarger of the two band-gaps will be absorbed into the high-energy bandrather than the lower energy band, where the excess energy will be lostto radiation.

Electrons (or holes) that are more than one mean free path away from thesurface will not “see” the surface, and therefore will not experiencethe mixing of bulk states. The absorption coefficient will thereforesimply be the bulk value at distances greater than a mean free path awayfrom the surface. For light with the electric field perpendicular to thesurface, the effective absorption coefficient can be approximated by aweighted sum of the surface and bulk absorption coefficients. For a 1-Dsurface (nano-well) the estimated effective absorption coefficient isfound by the integral

$\begin{matrix}{{{A_{tot}(\omega)} = \frac{{{A_{bulk}(\omega)}d} + {\int_{0}^{d}{{A_{surface}(\omega)}{\exp \left( \frac{- x}{MFP} \right)}\ {x}}}}{d}},} & (9)\end{matrix}$

where A_(tot)(ω), A_(bulk)(ω), and A_(surface)(ω) are the effective,bulk, and surface absorption coefficients, respectively, MFP is the meanfree path of the free carriers, and d is the thickness of the material.

The wire diameter required to sufficiently enhance the opticalabsorption from the high-energy band can be determined by equation (9).However, the mean free path of the higher order band, the absorption(related by the coupling) of the higher energy band in bulk, andpossibly the mixing of the two states at an interface are usuallyunknown. Therefore, the wire diameter threshold will most likely need tobe determined experimentally with guidance from theory.

The direction of nano-wire 134 must also be carefully chosen. As usedherein, the direction of nano-wire 134 refers to the crystallographicorientation of nano-wire 134 along its major axis (i.e., length). In anintermediate band solar cell, the absorption of the larger energy bandtransition should be much stronger than the absorption coefficients ofthe two smaller energy band transitions when the absorption coefficientsof the different band transitions overlap. Hence, it is desirable toenhance the absorption of the larger energy band transition (i.e., thevalence band to conduction band transition) and not enhance theabsorption of the smaller energy band transitions (i.e., the valenceband to intermediate band and intermediate band to conduction bandtransitions).

In the case of silicon, the Γ-point valence band to L-point conductionband electronic transition needs to be enhanced. The Γ-point is <000> inthe Brillouin zone, whereas the L-point is four fold degenerate withelectron pockets in the <111>, <-111>, <1-11>, and <11-1>crystallographic directions. In order for the surface of the nano-wire334 to break the symmetry requirements of this transition, the surfacenormal must be parallel to a vector in the direction of the differencebetween the directions of the two high symmetry points. For silicon,this means that the nano-wire 334 direction must be perpendicular toeither the <111>, <-111>, <1-11>, or the <11-1> crystallographicdirections. For a wire having its major axis or length in the <hkl>crystallographic orientation, either h+k+l=0, −h+k+l=0, h−k+l=0, orh+k−l=0. In addition, the nano-wire 334 should not be perpendicular tothe direction of the difference between the Γ-point and the Δ-point soas to not enhance the electronic transition from the Γ-point valenceband to the Δ-point intermediate band. Thus, the nano-wire 340 shouldnot be perpendicular to the <100>, <010>, and <001> crystallographicdirections, which corresponds to the case where h≠0, k≠0, and l≠0. Thesetwo requirements also ensure that the intermediate band to conductionband is not enhanced, as demonstrated by the equations:

{right arrow over (W)}·({right arrow over (V)}−{right arrow over(C)})=0  (10a)

{right arrow over (W)}·({right arrow over (V)}−{right arrow over(I)})≠0  (10b)

{right arrow over (W)}·({right arrow over (C)}−{right arrow over(I)})={right arrow over (W)}·(({right arrow over (V)}−{right arrow over(I)})−({right arrow over (V)}−{right arrow over (C)}))={right arrow over(W)}·({right arrow over (V)}−{right arrow over (I)})≠0,  (10c)

where {right arrow over (W)} is the vector in the direction of the wireaxis, and {right arrow over (V)}, {right arrow over (C)}, and {rightarrow over (I)} are the vectors in the directions of the valence,conduction, and intermediate electronic pockets respectively. Equation(10a), expresses the condition that the wire axis direction isperpendicular to the direction of the difference between the valence andconduction bands. Equation (10b) expresses the condition that the wireaxis direction is not perpendicular to the difference between thevalence and intermediate bands. Equation (10c) shows that, givenequations (10a) and (10b), the axis direction of nano-wire 334 must alsonot be perpendicular to the difference of the valence and intermediatebands. Examples of silicon nano-wire directions that meet theserequirements include the <1-21>, <211>, <121>, and <112> directions. Itshould be noted that only one of the four Γ-point to L-point transitionsare enhanced for a given wire direction.

The invention explores a mechanism for enhancing the coupling ofindirect transitions by forming a material with a large surface area.The enhancement is due to the breakdown of the orthogonality assumptionroutinely used to derive the E vs. k diagrams. The dimensions requiredto observe this effect are determined by the mean free path, unlikequantum effects, which are determined by the minimum of the mean freepath and the de Broglie wavelength. Hence, this effect does notnecessarily require nanostructured materials with dimensions as small asthat required for quantum confinement effects. A model of this mechanismshows that when either the initial or the final state is a sine and theother state is a cosine, the number of atoms in the direction of asurface is odd, and one electronic state is at the zone boundary and theother state is at the zone center, the coupling between the bands isenhanced. The enhancement is only for photons having a component of theelectric field perpendicular to the surface and those electronictransitions in which the direction of the surface allows for coupling.The enhancement is maximized for initial and final states with adifference in k′ of

$\pm {\frac{\pi}{a}.}$

The enhancement of absorption due to the mixing of states is thenapplied to photovoltaics. Utilizing the mixing of bands at an interface,an intermediate band-gap solar cell, shown in FIG. 1 c, is designed. Thedevice includes nano-wires 340 aligned in the <121> direction.Nano-wires 340 comprise silicon.

The following predictive examples illustrate the features and advantagesof the invention and are in no way intended to limit the inventionthereto.

Example 1 Mid-IR Detector or Emitter Using Bismuth

Bismuth is a narrow band gap semi-metal with a very unusual bandstructure, which is shown in FIG. 2 b. The T point valence band crossesthe Fermi energy (E_(F)) so the band edge is above the Fermi energyleaving lots of empty electron states (holes). The L point valence bandedge is below the Fermi energy and is therefore mostly filled withelectrons. Because both of these states are curved in the same direction(as opposed to a valence and conduction band pairs), the joint densityof states is large. Furthermore, because there is a hole pocket at the Tpoint and an electron pocket at the L point, many electrons can beexcited from the L point valence band to the T point valence band. Inbulk bismuth, however, this transition, which is predicted to be around0.13 eV at room temperature, is indirect and weak.

In bismuth nano-wires, the symmetry arguments break down and the L to Tpoint transition becomes allowed. Hence, bismuth nano-wires have a verylarge and intense optical absorption resulting from the excitation ofelectrons at the L point to holes at the T point. This strong and narrowabsorption is observed at 0.12 eV in nano-wires with <101> and <012>orientations (FIG. 2 a). Both of these wire directions have interfacesperpendicular to the T-L direction. The L and T point directions are<111>, <-111>, <1-11>, and <11-1>, with one of these directions beingthe T point direction and the other three being L point directions. Thechoice for the T point is arbitrary. For example, <111>−<-111>=<200>,which is perpendicular to the wire orientation <012>. As anotherexample, <111>−<1-11>=<020>, which is perpendicular to the wiredirection <101>. Hence, both wire directions <101> and <012> shouldcouple the L and T point.

The strong coupling between the L and T points may be used as a methodto produce a mid IR detector or emitter. Only the strong absorption wasmeasured in bismuth nano-wires, whereas the luminescence and photoconductance has not yet been investigated. However, it is likely thatbismuth nano-wires will also luminesce as a result of the L to Telectronic transition and be useful in light emitting applications. Theemission energy is expected near the 0.12 eV (10 μm) absorption peak,which is an important wavelength for environmental monitoring. In orderto create vacancies at the lower energy state (L-point valence band),however, the device will likely have to be pumped to excite electronsfrom the L point valence band to the L point conduction band.

Nano-wires have been previously made by electrochemically filling porousanodic alumina and a pressure injection technique. Because theabsorption peak at 0.12 eV has been observed for nano-wires with adiameter as large as 200 nm, and because the wire diameter distributioncan be large, easier fabrication techniques could be used. Anodicalumina templates, for example, can be purchased with pore sizes between200 and 50 nm. In addition, standard lithography techniques could beused to make arrays of bismuth nano-wires.

As with all of the examples given here, arrays of nano-wires aligned ina specific direction, with a transparent top conductive contact 332 anda conductive back contact 336, are within the scope of the invention.

Example 2 Red Emitter Using Silicon Nano-Wires that Utilize the Effectof Interface Mixing

Numerous studies have looked into the photoluminescence in siliconquantum structures. These structures include amorphous silicon, whichhas been shown to contain quantum dots.

Several theories have been proposed to explain the photoluminescencebetween 550 nm and 700 nm observed for silicon, but none of the theoriesexplain all the data. It is very likely that interface mixing enhancesthe coupling between the gamma (Γ) and L point and this transition iscausing the observed photoluminescence. If this is indeed the cause, theideal structure for maximizing this luminescence will comprise highpurity silicon having interfaces in the <111> direction and only slightdoping levels, as too high doping will decrease the diameter required toobserve the photoluminescence.

Example 3 Intermediate Band Solar Cell Using Silicon Nano-WiresUtilizing Interface Mixing

One approach to fabricating intermediate band solar cells that has beenproposed is sandwiching quantum dots between two semiconductors.Obtaining electrical contact to the quantum dots, however, is difficult.By utilizing interface mixing, a single material can be used to provideboth levels in the intermediate band solar cell. The strength ofcoupling between the ground state and the two excited states can beoptimized for solar cell efficiency by changing the orientation anddiameter of nano-wires 134. Coincidentally, silicon has two band gapsthat together are very near the optimal energies for an intermediateband solar cell. The smallest band gap is at 1.12 eV at the delta pointin the X direction. Another carrier pocket exists at the L point and ispredicted to be between 1.6 eV and 2.1 eV. Intermediate band gap solarcells with band gaps at 1.12 eV and 1.9 eV and having efficiencies ofover 60% have been predicted, based on calculations.

To increase the coupling of the F to L point transition relative to theΓ to Δ, point transition, an interface would need to be perpendicular tothe <111> (L) direction, and not in the <100> (X) direction. For a wirehaving its major axis or length in the <hkl> crystallographicorientation, either h+k+l=0, −h+k+l=0, h−k+l=0, or h+k−l=0, and h≠0,k≠0, and l≠0. For example, a wire in the <11-2> direction would couplethe Γ to L points and not the Γ to X points. As the diameter of the wiredecreases, the coupling strength increases. Nano-particles having anano-dimension of about 5 nm and smaller have been previously found tobe needed for photoluminescence. However, the nano-particles consistedof doped samples in which dopants were separated by a distance of about5 nm. It is possible that the dopants scattered the electrons and thuseffectively shielded the electrons from the interface. By decreasing thedoping levels or by using techniques such as delta doping, where thedopants are outside of the active area, the critical diameter could beincreased to make fabrication easier. If the diameter does indeed needto be near 6 nm, other fabrication techniques, such as using metallicnano-dots as a mask and etching the silicon with a reactive ion etch,advanced e-beam lithography, electrochemically filling pores in anodicalumina, and the like may be employed.

Example 4 Blue or Near UV Emitter from Zinc Nano-Wires

Zinc is a metal with a rather complicated electronic band structure. Therelevant bands are shown in FIG. 3. Based on the band diagram shown inFIG. 3, the transition between the F conduction band to L pointconduction band in nanostructured zinc would be expected to exhibitstrong absorption and luminescence due to interface mixing. As inbismuth, both the initial and final states are curved in the samedirection, thus forming a large density of states. Also like in bismuth,one of the bands crosses the Fermi energy (E_(F)) making lots of statesavailable for this electronic exciton. In the case of zinc, the Γ pointconduction band crosses the Fermi energy, which leaves the band edgefull of electrons. The L-point conduction band is above the Fermi energyand is thus full of empty states for the electrons to be excited into.Again, the pockets are in the F and L point, so the interface needs tobe in the <111> direction. The energy of this transition is about 3 eV.For a wire having its major axis or length in the <hkl> crystallographicorientation, either h+k+l=0, −h+k+l=0, h−k+l=0, or h+k−l=0, where h≠0,k≠0, and l≠0.

Although it is unclear how small the zinc nanocrystals need to be toobserve this effect, it is expected that the dimensions of the zincnanocrystals would be more similar to those of bismuth than those ofsilicon, because both zinc and bismuth are metallic. Thus, the easierfabrication methods that have been previously described herein could beemployed for a detector or an emitter.

Although the mixing of electronic states at interfaces has beendescribed herein for silicon, bismuth, and zinc, other materials, suchas zinc sulfide, indium phosphide, indium arsenide, and the like, areexpected to exhibit similar behavior.

Although typical embodiments have been set forth for the purpose ofillustration, the foregoing description should not be deemed to be alimitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, variousmodifications, adaptations, and alternatives may occur to one skilled inthe art without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

1. An optoelectronic device, the device comprising: (a) a firstconductor; (b) a second, solid conductor; and (c) a material disposedbetween the first conductor and the solid conductor such that at least aportion of the material is in electrical contact with the firstconductor and the second, solid conductor, wherein the material has aFermi energy level, a plurality of carrier pockets, and an interface,wherein significant mixing of electronic states is achieved at theinterface resulting in mixed electronic states, wherein the mixedelectronic states comprise an initial state that is below or within kTof the Fermi energy level and a second state that is greater than orwithin kT of the Fermi energy level, wherein k is the Boltzmann constantand T is temperature in degrees Kelvin.
 2. The optoelectronic deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the material comprises a plurality ofnano-wires such that at least a portion of the plurality of nanowires isin electrical contact with the first conductor and the solid conductor.3. The optoelectronic device according to claim 2, wherein each of theplurality of nano-wires has a diameter of up to about 200 nm.
 4. Theoptoelectronic device according to claim 3, wherein each of theplurality of nano-wires has a diameter in a range from about 50 nm toabout 200 nm.
 5. The optoelectronic device according to claim 2, whereineach of the plurality of nano-wires has a crystallographic orientation<hkl>, wherein h+k+l=0, −h+k+l=0, h−k+l=0, or h+k−l=0, and wherein h≠0,k≠0, and l≠0.
 6. The optoelectronic device according to claim 5, whereinthe plurality of nano-wires comprises silicon nano-wires, and whereineach of the silicon nano-wires has a direction in a crystallographicorientation selected from the group consisting of <1-21>, <211>, <121>,and <112> orientations.
 7. The optoelectronic device according to claim2, wherein the plurality of nano-wires comprises bismuth nano-wires, andwherein each of the bismuth nanowires has a direction in acrystallographic orientation selected from the group consisting of <101>and <012> orientations.
 8. The optoelectronic device according to claim2, further comprising an insulating material disposed between theplurality of nano-wires.
 9. The optoelectronic device according to claim8, wherein the insulating material comprises alumina.
 10. Theoptoelectronic device according to claim 1, wherein the materialcomprises a substance selected from the group consisting of silicon,bismuth, zinc, zinc sulfide, indium phosphide, indium arsenide, andcombinations thereof.
 11. The optoelectronic device according to claim1, wherein the material comprises at least one nano-dot.
 12. Theoptoelectronic device according to claim 1, wherein the materialcomprises at least one nano-well.
 13. The optoelectronic deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the optoelectronic device is one of alight emitting diode, an infrared detector, an emitter, a solar cell,and a photovoltaic cell.
 14. The optoelectronic device according toclaim 13, wherein the emitter is one of a near infrared emitter, a blueemitter, a red emitter, and a near UV emitter.
 15. The optoelectronicdevice of claim 13, wherein the device is an intermediate band solarcell.
 16. The optoelectronic device of claim 32, wherein the materialcomprises silicon, and the Γ point valence band to L-point conductionband electronic transition is enhanced and lies between about 1.65 and2.29 eV.
 17. The optoelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the mixing ofelectronic states at the interface is such that the spatial overlap oftwo states is at least about 7 percent.
 18. A method of manufacturing anoptoelectronic device, wherein the method comprises the steps of (a)selecting a crystalline orientation for nano-wires which results insignificant mixing of electronic states being achieved at a interface ofthe nano-wires, resulting in mixed electronic states, (b) fabricating ananowire array having the selected crystalline orientation, (c)providing the nanowire array with a first conductor on one side of thenano-wire array and a solid conductor on a second side of the array.